The Greatest Gift Read Online Free PDF

has hidden doorways. Right?”
    “It does,” he said.
    “The FBI agent told me he went down that stairway by the manger,” Connie said. “I believe what he said. I don’t believe in fantasy. Perhaps it’s a good way to draw people to your church, collect some more money after a sermon. Get everyone excited about miracles.” Connie’s voice spun a cynical tone. “Then pass around the big collection basket. A great way to sucker in the suckers.”
    Dennis shook his head. “I’m not like that.”
    Connie leaned forward. “What are you like, Pastor? Why don’t you tell us? Are you being truthful about everything you know? Or are you hiding secrets just like my brother? Why don’t you come clean and tell us about your relationship with Michael? Why have you been so friendly with him?”
    He looked away, not sure where Connie was moving the discussion. He was relieved when Susan spoke.
    “We’re getting off track here,” she said. “Our concerns are Michael and Elizabeth. If he went down the stairway, we need to follow the tracks and see where they might have taken him. It’s the only logical conclusion we can come to right now.”
    “Don’t you think the FBI has done that?” Connie asked.
    “But do they really know where all the tunnels are in this church?” Susan asked.
    “Well, wouldn’t it be logical to first talk to this George Farmer person?” Connie asked in a triumphant tone.
    “George has passed on,” Dennis said.
    “Oh, great,” Connie replied.
    Dennis dropped the book on the desk. “I don’t know why it happened for Michael or for George Farmer. Or anyone else who’s mentioned in this book.”
    Connie grabbed it and started flipping through the pages. “This is nothing but scribbling by religious freaks. It doesn’t make any sense. Anyone can write this nonsense. I could have made up a story like this. My brother’s a writer. He’s always talking about far-fetched stories.”
    A hard rap on the door halted the conversation. “Yes, who is there?” asked Dennis.
    “Special Agent Hewitt Paul.”
    “Um, okay. One minute, sir.”
    “Please go home. Pray,” Dennis said, rushing Susan and Connie to the door. “Pray that the Lord helps Michael and Elizabeth to find their way home again. If you want to go out the back door and avoid the media, it’s open.”
    Connie shook her head. “I’ll drink instead. Do you want to join me, Susan?”
    “With you?” Susan grimaced and looked away.
    “You can help me draw up another list of people we can call who might know Michael or Elizabeth. As much as I hate to admit it, he cares about you. You might know someone I haven’t thought of who could help us.”
    Susan hesitated.
    “I’ll buy,” Connie said, turning around. “I’m sorry about doubting you, Pastor. I’m just angry.” She looked down. “Sometimes I show it in the wrong way. But I would do anything for them. If he needed help, I’d give it to him. If he needed a place to hide, I’d help him.”
    “Check his home. Maybe he left some notes or a journal in how he was able to travel,” Dennis whispered.
    “What?” Connie asked as she opened the door and brushed past the special agent. Hewitt Paul gave her a look.
    Connie sneered. “So arrest me. I love my brother. I hope you never find him. If he comes to me, I’ll give him whatever help he needs. I hope you rot in hell for this. I hope you never find him.” She slammed the door before Hewitt Paul could make his way into the office.
    “Sweet girl,” he said.
    “She’s upset about her brother and niece,” Dennis said.
    “I know. I’m upset too. I don’t need you to sermonize me about her love for him. I heard the drivel.” Special Agent Paul sat down, stretched his long arms and legs and yawned.
    “How can I help you, Mr. Paul?”
    “Call me Hewitt. We have a fugitive situation and possible kidnapping or murder. Not a wonderful circumstance for a special agent to be in while the media has a field day